On September 14, 2024 my mom passed away. She valiantly battled pancreatic cancer for 8 months. Mom chose chemotherapy to extend her time with family and friends. My mom was the same brave, strong and tenacious woman I have known my entire life, right up until the final moments.
My mom was smart, fun, whimsical, determined, strong, creative, thoughtful and intentional.
My childhood memories include weekly trips to the library, building forts with blankets, friends over for slumber parties, board games, making popcorn for movie nights, birthday parties and summer vacations to Ocean City and the North Carolina mountains. Many of my friends called my mom, the “fun mom”.
As the grandchildren arrived, Mom would create handmade Halloween costumes (her favorite holiday) and schedule monthly lunch dates for “one on one” time. When the older ones went to college there were “Me-Me Cookies”, a delicious chocolaty treat packaged with bubble wrap so they didn’t crumble in transport.
My mom taught me that challenges are adventures, problems are puzzles and mishaps are memories. She lived a life of love, service and adventure. She will be deeply missed by me, our family and friends.
Thank you for reading about my mom.
I’m so grateful for your love, patience and understanding over the past eight months as we navigated her health and final days. Your prayers, kind words and thoughts are truly appreciated.
Read my mom’s obituary here.
Peace, Love and Light
Turn Again To Life
If I should die and leave you here awhile,
Be not like others, sore undone, who keep
Long vigils by the silent dust, and weep.
For my sake – turn again to life and smile,
Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do
Something to comfort other hearts than thine.
Complete those dear unfinished tasks of mine
And I, perchance, may therein comfort you.
Mary Lee Hope
